Chest Freezers

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Add convenient, efficient frozen storage space with commercial chest freezers and glass top display freezers.

Commercial chest freezers are especially useful for back of house storage. They may not be as attractive as their stainless steel undercounter and reach-in freezer counterparts, but can efficiently store much more product. When considering which commercial chest freezer will work best for you, there are several key features to keep in mind. First is the type of lid or door it has. Sliding doors take much less vertical space to open, but you can only access half of the freezer at a time. Flip-up lids or doors give you access to the entire commercial chest freezer, but you need to be sure to leave enough clearance above to allow the door to open.

You should also evaluate the overall size and compressor location of your commercial chest freezer. The dimensions of the chest freezer will determine how much you can store inside it and whether it will fit into the space you have allotted for it, but you will also need to make sure that there is at least six inches of clearance around the side of the freezer to allow space for proper compressor air flow. Without this clearance, the compressor will have to work harder than normal and can eventually burn out. Avoid this costly fix by properly assessing dimensions and compressor location before purchasing a new commercial chest freezer.

If your operation is lacking overhead or vertical storage, commercial chest freezers are a great way to store a variety of frozen products without cramping already limited space. These exceptional, horizontal freezers come in a variety of styles and sizes, from glass top chest freezers that are great for easy product location to longer models with flip up lids that are similar to the traditional chest freezers you might find in a basement or a garage. No matter what size or style you need, Burkett is sure to have the perfect commercial chest freezer for your kitchen, ice cream shop, or storefront from top brands like Turbo-Air, Kelvinator, and Beverage Air.


Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Chest Freezers & Glass Top Display Freezers

What types of food items can be stored with a commercial chest freezer?

Glass top display freezers are commonly used for frozen treats such as ice cream tubs, popsicles, and frozen fruit. Since its contents can be seen through the glass lid, this is great for pushing current sale items, whether it be single frozen meals, vegetables, or smoothie blends. Traditional commercial chest freezers are ideal for back of house bulk storage that will not be accessed by customers.


What's the difference between a chest freezer and a glass top display freezer?

The difference between these two items is the lids. Glass top display freezers are used to display items attractively to possible customers while maintaining appropriate temperatures to maintain freshness. Chest freezers are used to store frozen foods, which is great for back-of-house applications. Both types of chest freezers are available here.


How do you defrost a commercial chest freezer?

Defrosting your chest freezer is a necessary process to ensure the unit is functioning properly and efficiently. A good rule of thumb is to perform a full defrost approximately once a year, or whenever the ice inside accumulates to 1/4 of an inch. Depending on the model of commercial chest freezer, it can take up to a full day to complete the process, so it's important to plan ahead.

  1. Reduce inventory - It's best to perform a defrost when you won't have to displace an entire freezer full of food just to complete the task. However, if your business uses a walk-in freezer, this may not apply, since product can be moved temporarily while the chest freezer defrosts.
  2. Unplug & defrost - It's helpful to reference your chest freezer's owners manual to find any specific requirements for the unit you're using. Generally, you'll want to open the doors, unplug the unit, and allow the ice to melt over time. Make sure you have a plan for draining the water that will accumulate as ice melts! Some units are equipped with a drainage hose, while others will need to be moved outside or near a drain to thaw.
  3. Clean & dry - Once all the ice is gone, you'll want to dry out the chest freezer before getting it back in use. This is the perfect time to deep clean and sanitize!
  4. Chill & restock - When the commercial chest freezer is completely dry, it's time to close the lid, and plug it back in. It can take around 6 - 8 hours for it to be fully functioning and ready to hold frozen foods again. Check your chest freezer's spec sheet for specific guidelines. Once it's holding the right temperature, you can restock, and enjoy the benefits of a well maintained commercial chest freezer!